Pyloric Stenosis

Abstract

Pyloric stenosis (pie LORE ick sten OH sis) is common in infants. It affects babies from birth to a few months of age. It is caused by the thickening of the muscle between the stomach and the small intestine (Picture 1). The muscle tightens around the opening from the stomach to the small intestine and makes the opening very narrow. This makes it hard for food to pass out of the stomach into the small intestine causing forceful throwing up (vomiting). The condition can lead to dehydration.